North

Vision of the North Region Educational Programme

• Meet the needs of all those recruited to GPST in order for them to achieve CCT.
• Encourage excellence in all areas and contexts.
• Prepare STs fully for the work of GP.
• Equip STs with skills to be lifelong learners.
• Recognise individual skills and talents to provide opportunities to develop these.
• Be aware of and respond appropriately to trainees who have additional needs as learners.
• A learner centred ethos underpins all provision and developments.
• Acknowledge the role of Educational Supervisors within GPST educational provision, and develop a partnership approach with Deanery staff.

The North Region provides three different educational programmes depending on where you are studying. These are:

• Grampian
• Caledonian
• Rural Track

In the sections below, you will find more information about the educational opportunities available in your area. Please read the NES study leave guidance

For more information regarding North of Scotland Training please visit the blog

Grampian Programme

The educational programme based in Aberdeen provides a range of opportunities to support the educational development of GP trainees. No programme however, can be fully comprehensive, so it is important that trainees take full advantage of the learning environments within GP and hospital posts to complement what is provided. 

Grampian runs inductions in Aug-Sept of each year for GPST1s,  GPST2s, GPST3s and GMED, who start in August and also February inductions for February the February intake.. 

Induction Programme dates 2023/2024:

August 2024 Inductions

• GPST1 - 14th August - Full Day - In person
• GPST2 - 4th September - Morning only - In Person
• GPST3 - 21st August - Full Day - In person
• GMED - 15th August - Online

 

 February 2025 Inductions:

• GPST1,2&3 - 12th February - In Person
• GMED - 13th February - Online

Half Day Release

(Wednesday mornings 9am - 1pm)

August - February

September: 18th, 25th

October: 2nd, 9th

November: 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th, 11th

January: 8th, 15th, 22nd

February - August

February: 19th, 26th

March: 12th, 19th, 26th

April: 16th, 23rd, 30th

May: 21st, 28th

June: 4th, 11th

• GPSTs are assigned to a small group of usually 8-11 from peer year group.
• These sessions allow you to develop groupwork skills and a team approach to learning through PBSGL.
• There is also opportunities to improve consultation and communication skills and explore issues and themes that arise in GP practice. 
• Session 1 - from 9am-11am facilitated session with an experienced GP.
• Session 2 - 11am - 1pm Peer facilitated PBSGL session.
• Currently running online via MS Teams.
• Minimum attendance 75% required.
• Groupwork Log Sheet
• PBSGL Log Sheet

  

Regional Teaching


• These workshops cover a variety of topics relevant to GP training and are available to GPSTs at any stage. Attendance at all over the 3 year period is recommended. Provisional dates for this years Regional Teaching are available here. Please check back regularly to check confirmed information.

 

Clinical Attachments

• There are new arrangements currently being organised, if interested contact Jennifer.Craig@nhs.scot to arrange. 

 

Consultative forum

• The Consultative Forum meetings are attended by the GP Associate Advisers and GPST's in Grampian.  The intention is to give all Trainees the opportunity to voice any suggestions and give feedback about the design and delivery of the Programme (for both your Education and posts).  

 Next forum:

• Wednesday 2nd October 2024
• Wednesday 15th January 2025
• Wednesday 19th march 2025
• Wednesday 28th May 2025

 

Caledonian Programme

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Induction/ Educational Programme will take place virtually for the foreseeable future 

Dates for 2020:

• Inductions Programmes 
• ST1 - 20th August 
• ST2 - 27th August 
• ST3 - 27th August 

 

The Caledonian Programme offers a wide variety of educational opportunities including induction, courses on clinical topics and small group learning sessions.

 

Caledonian Programme Teaching Overview

Rural Track Programme

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Induction/ Educational Programme will take place virtually for the foreseeable future 

Dates for 2020:

• Inductions Programmes 
• ST1 - 20th August 
• ST2 - 27th August 
• ST3 - 27th August 

 

GP trainees on the Remote and Rural track will have unique learning opportunities in the Rural General Hospitals and GP placements in their rotation. They should attend all the educational opportunities as described in the Caledonian Educational Programme (above) but are also an additional Rural workshop. 

Caithness & the Islands - Trainees come together for the day in Inverness, three times a year. All other sessions link trainees by VC for an afternoon session, every fortnight. 

Fort William & Oban - Sessions take place one day a month with the same format as Caledonian Programme, venue alternating between Oban and Fort William. 

 

As an ST in Rural track, which elements of the Caledonian/Rural track educational programme should I attend, and when? 

Rural Track GPST stage	Induction	Core options	Group work	Courses
				ST1	ST3
GPST1.1	Attend ST1 Induction	Available throughout programme	Throughout programme	Attend day 1 of ST1 course (Induction and PBSGL training)
				Attend day 2 of ST1 course (Child protection & Consultation skills)
GPST2	Attend ST2/AKT induction day
GPST3	Attend ST3 induction (part of ST3 course)				Attend

Caledonian and Rural Track Day Release Information

Monthly Group Training